In Appreciation of Children's Librarians

Let's get real: summer reading programs are a pain. So this time of year, when children's librarians are knee-deep in running them, it's nice to feel like someone out there appreciates us. I've compiled some of my favorite tributes to youth librarians. If I've missed a good one, please leave it in the comments. I hope to be able to refer to this post when I am feeling stressed or burnt-out.  We all need a little encouragement sometimes to just keep swimming.

Quotes and Dedications
“Adult librarians are like lazy bakers: their patrons want a jelly doughnut, so they give them a jelly doughnut. Children’s librarians are ambitious bakers: 'You like the jelly doughnut? I’ll get you a jelly doughnut. But you should try my cruller, too. My cruller is gonna blow your mind, kid.”
John Green
Dedication to Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane deGroat
Blog posts and Journal Articles

"For the Children" from the Effing Librarian.

Probably the greatest advocate for children's librarians that I have run across is Will Manley. Here are some of his many words devoted to espousing our good qualities:

Comments

  1. There are duds in every profession, including children's services. The adult services librarian at our library runs an adult summer reading program that is every bit as intensive as my own in addition to superb reference and reader's advisory skills, programming, collection development, and she also does the lion's share of our publicity in the community and online. At our library, we recognize that everyone has strengths and we work together to build a strong library that serves many different areas of the community. I know not everyone is as fortunate as I am, but I think we should be able to celebrate our profession without being negative about our colleagues.

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    1. Oh I agree. I appreciate all of our departments as they all keep the library hopping. I hope my words did not cause any offense or appear to be disparaging.

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  2. Nah, takes a lot to offend me (-:) I sometimes think adult services have it harder than we do - I have a strong support network online and in our community, but there aren't a lot of groups for the adult svs librarians around. And ours is awesome (-:)

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  3. so my gf read your blog and told me that you linked to something I wrote... how you found something where I'm not cursing is a real surprise. so don't dig around and read more. I warned you. thanks.

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    1. Haha... You could edit some curse words in! In fact, I encourage it!

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  4. Thanks...I needed this. So many times we battle for respect so I am especially appreciative of a little love for no good reason but that it's summer and it's full on 99mph!

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